The Battle of L'Authion Release Notes

VERSION 1.0

I. Introduction

Simulating an historical battle for West Front is an interesting 
challenge.As a specialist of World War II, I try to simulate in a scientific mannerthe Battle of L'Authion.
(I am preparing a paper on  WWII military history for my PHD).

II. Main problems

- The map

I used the map of the National Geographical Institute TOP 25 3741 OT et 253741
These maps are Copyrighted I.G.N. - Paris 1999
the scale is 1:25000, 1 hex representing an area of 250 meters, 
same scale as "West Front" and "East Front" game. This map is exactly the same
as reality. (press the SHIFT key during the game to see geographical names

If you already visited the massif of l'Authion, you will be very impressed to see the map in "West Front" 3 Dimensions Mode. (press 1 or 2 key 
during the game)

West Front Map Editor doesn't include the hex "Escarpment" 
(only available for Desert terrain),note that hexs: 3,10;3,
11;4,9;4,10;5,9;5,10;6,9;6,10;7,10;7,12;8,12;9,13;9,14;10,14 are Escarpment 
hex so I had to change these hex to rough terrain 
with unpaved roads.


- Order of Battle

Finding the exact order of battle wasn't difficult because I study the French 
Military Archives nearly every day.

It's was quite easy to find the French Army order of battle.
It was more difficult for the German and Italian order of battle,
because german military archives were destroyed by bombing during the war. 
I could only find some fragments of these documents. 

I used the report of the 2nd French Bureau (intelligence service) 
to obtain details on German and Italian order of battle (I would like to 
thank the Director of French Military Archives for the special derogation 
that allowed me to simulate this battle , indeed some of this
documents can not be consulted 55 years after the battle, unless you obtain a special authorisation).
The 1945 original battle maps was very useful too.

- Scenario

In my website, I use the "offical battle report" of General GARBAY 
(Commander of the First Free French Division). I am faithful to this 
strategical analysis.

The placement of german units is sure for 90% of the map. I have only doubt for hex:5,7.
The name of commander are the same, in the next version of this scenario 
I will included historical name of Germans leaders (that I have found on German
 prisoners report).

I have a doubt on air support plane type (not 100% sure 
it was P-47D ground attack).(I have to check it in the archives, as soon as this 
information will be available, I will modify my next version consequently).

I have the original location where two Stuarts blow up on anti-tank mines.
(not included here).But still not sure where is the exact point of 
roadblock hex:8,12.

- Time

The "official scale" for West Front is 6 minutes for 1 turn. 
In this historical battle the last building taken by french troops was 
Redoubt of Trois Communes  hex:8,5 It was taken only on 12 april 7:30 pm. 
(The German garrison of Plan Caval managed to escape hex:13,8).
Of course General GARBAY say nothing about this particular point... 
So here "the official scale" is different from "West Front" 1 turn is 6 hours 
real time. 

You have 3 days (12 turns) like in reality to take all the fortified position
of Massif de l'Authion without suffering too heavy casualties.

- A.I.

This scenario was created to play only with Free French troops. 
The A.I. playing allied is unable to launch an efficient assault.

III Conclusion

At the end of 3 days of battle with heavy casualties suffered by Free French Troops 
all the massif de l'Authion was conquered .

I hope you will enjoy this historical scenario as much as I did in designing it.
You can send me your comments upon the scenario or my website:

http://members.xoom.com/authion

THIS SCENARIO WILL BE UPDATED AS MY RESEARCH PROGRESS...

Pierre KLINGBEIL.


